Darnell

Dinkins

No immediate timetable is set for his return. He wasn’t expected to play a major role this season.

Dinkins was a fourth-string QB with the Giants when Jim Fassel was coaching in New York, and Fassel is now Baltimore’s offensive coordinator. ''When I’m done with coaching and look back on all the players who worked hard, he’ll be among the ones at the top of that list,’' Fassel said. With Todd Heap still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and the Ravens likely to employ a lot of two tight end sets, Dinkins could carve out a nice role for himself.

At this point, Bell can only be considered a handcuff to Pierre Thomas, who has looked really sharp in two straight games. Payton also said that he expects TE Darnell Dinkins to be ready for the Giants game.

Dinkins’ goal is to be available for Sunday’s showdown with the Giants. If he returns, he’ll be third string behind Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas.

Dinkins has already been sidelined almost five weeks with the injury, and there’s no timetable for his return. David Thomas, picked up from the Patriots, will continue to act as the No. 2 tight end.

Fellow reserve TE Darnell Dinkins caught a touchdown pass, but Heiden got the start in place of Kellen Winslow and matched Braylon Edwards for the team lead in receptions. Consider grabbing the 10-year veteran in deep leagues if Winslow is out another week, but no rush.